Stauffer named track announcer at Oaklawn Park

Vic Stauffer has been named the new track announcer for Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. He replaces Pete Aiello, who last month was named the year-round announcer at Gulfstream Park. Stauffer’s appointment was announced Wednesday. Oaklawn opens for racing Jan. 13.

Stauffer, 57, has been the announcer at such tracks as the now-shuttered Hollywood Park, where he worked for 13 years, as well as Gulfstream, Golden Gate Fields, and Hialeah. Stauffer will be the sixth announcer in the 113-year history of Oaklawn.

“Vic was the unanimous choice of the search committee,” David Longinotti, director of racing for Oaklawn, said in a release. “His passion, his accuracy and his clarity make him a rare talent. He is able to describe what is happening on the racetrack in a way that is immediately understandable while still being unique.”

Stauffer launched his race-calling career in 1985 at Garden State Park. High points of his career include calling eight races won by Zenyatta. For his work in the radio broadcasting industry, Stauffer has won two Eclipse Awards.

“The Oaklawn racing program is one of a kind in American racing,” Stauffer said in a release. “There simply is no better racing in the country. I look forward to experiencing the huge crowds that are passionate about seeing the best racehorses in the world.”

Oaklawn’s meet, which will feature a stakes schedule worth a track-record $8.2 million, runs through April 15.